Mumbai (India) - A tool that has recently been utilized by terrorists is one that many feel needs to be eliminated. Among individuals who feel the need to shut down free and open Wi-Fi are the Mumbai police. The Times of India reported today that "several police teams, armed with laptops and Internet-enabled mobile phones, will randomly visit homes to detect unprotected networks."


If Wi-Fi in a particular location is not secured or password protected, then the policeman on duty will be able to issue a notice to the owner of the connection - forcing that individual to make it secure. People that are found to be repeat offenders will receive "notices under the Criminal Procedure Code."

The police point out that the e-mails pegging the responsible parties in the New Delhi and Ahmedabad attacks were sent via open wireless networks.

The fear of the police is that cyber-criminals can utilize unprotected IP addresses.

Cyber cafes are now required to install surveillance cameras in many Indian cities, and all customers must reveal their identity prior to using the Internet.

It will take a lot of effort for Mumbai to actually block all security threats. A survey completed by the Sherriff’s Brigade of Mumbai proved that 80 percent of local Wi-Fi networks were unlocked.

Really?

Jan 13, 2009 15:40     

Yes, because good cyber-terrorists can't get into protected Wi-Fi access points. I understand the concern, but I doubt it will curtail anything other than cheap people wanting free access.
Kalt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +5

are you serious

Jan 13, 2009 19:35     

they're making it illegal to have an unsecure wireless network? wtf
Kal Tauri report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

Pointless...

Jan 13, 2009 20:09     

Considering how ubiquitous and pervasive the internet has become, surely this will only mean the terrorists get their internet fix by some other method? I'm thinking using handheld devices over standard GSM networks, using 3G USB dongles, etc. Plus of course, simply a brute force hack on a poorly secured wireless router. Maybe they should ban taxis and public transport too, cos the terrorists could use those to get to their target?

Jo-Mo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

Difficult topic

Jan 13, 2009 21:53     

How should regulation of communication be handled? How does a company provide a service to its law abiding customers and not enable a person to make nefarious use of the service. A law abiding person does have the right his/her privacy, but how does a company properly seperate those people who are good from those that are not when the commucation is not secured and not logged for inspection.
ozzyz report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

they should ban air

Jan 14, 2009 15:09     

cus terrorist use that too!!
09 F9 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0